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<p>Sequencing and characterising high-resolution units in which both natural and anthropogenic records can be examined on comparable scales is essential for understanding spatial behaviour and site formation processes. This requires a multidisciplinary approach that has previously been applied to the Neanderthal site of Abric del Pastor (Alcoi, eastern Iberia), revealing short-term occupations with high spatiotemporal resolution in stratigraphic unit IV, particularly focused on the lithic assemblages. In this study, we extend this methodological framework to stratigraphic unit V, investigating lithic record formation processes by applying archaeostratigraphic and spatial analyses, incorporating raw materials, technical attributes, and refits. Additionally, this research integrates soil micromorphology and sedimentary <i>n</i>-alkane analysis to explore critical aspects of sedimentary formation processes. Specifically, these techniques were used to corroborate the presence of in sitv hearths and rule out the possibility of erosional processes in the western sector of the rockshelter, where no archaeological materials were recorded. Our results, with refits as a benchmark, reveal at least two distinct stages of anthropogenic formation, characterised by recurring knapping activities primarily concentrated in the northern zone. These activities display internal variability in terms of flint type usage and activity intensity. Moreover, this knapping area is spatially segregated from three other zones: one containing a single hearth, close to the rockshelter wall, with no associated archaeological materials, possibly aligned with sleeping/resting purposes; another with a diachronic accumulation of faunal remains; and a third with an absence of archaeological record, in which postdepositional processes have not been detected. By identifying discrete formation events, we provide a detailed example of Neanderthal spatial variability, highlighting the deliberate use of certain zones for similar activities over time. This pattern contrasts with the spatial organisation of stratigraphic unit IV and other Neanderthal contexts, reflecting shifting strategies in the arrangement and use of space.</p>

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Knapping… Sleeping and Consuming? Spatial Variability in the High-Resolution Neanderthal Context of Abric del Pastor (Alcoi, Eastern Iberia)

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月10日

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  • Santiago Sossa-Ríos,
  • Alejandro Mayor,
  • Laura Tomé,
  • Javier Davara,
  • Sven Kleinhapl,
  • Carolina Mallol,
  • Laura Sánchez-Romero,
  • Manuel Vaquero,
  • Cristo M. Hernández

摘要

Sequencing and characterising high-resolution units in which both natural and anthropogenic records can be examined on comparable scales is essential for understanding spatial behaviour and site formation processes. This requires a multidisciplinary approach that has previously been applied to the Neanderthal site of Abric del Pastor (Alcoi, eastern Iberia), revealing short-term occupations with high spatiotemporal resolution in stratigraphic unit IV, particularly focused on the lithic assemblages. In this study, we extend this methodological framework to stratigraphic unit V, investigating lithic record formation processes by applying archaeostratigraphic and spatial analyses, incorporating raw materials, technical attributes, and refits. Additionally, this research integrates soil micromorphology and sedimentary n-alkane analysis to explore critical aspects of sedimentary formation processes. Specifically, these techniques were used to corroborate the presence of in sitv hearths and rule out the possibility of erosional processes in the western sector of the rockshelter, where no archaeological materials were recorded. Our results, with refits as a benchmark, reveal at least two distinct stages of anthropogenic formation, characterised by recurring knapping activities primarily concentrated in the northern zone. These activities display internal variability in terms of flint type usage and activity intensity. Moreover, this knapping area is spatially segregated from three other zones: one containing a single hearth, close to the rockshelter wall, with no associated archaeological materials, possibly aligned with sleeping/resting purposes; another with a diachronic accumulation of faunal remains; and a third with an absence of archaeological record, in which postdepositional processes have not been detected. By identifying discrete formation events, we provide a detailed example of Neanderthal spatial variability, highlighting the deliberate use of certain zones for similar activities over time. This pattern contrasts with the spatial organisation of stratigraphic unit IV and other Neanderthal contexts, reflecting shifting strategies in the arrangement and use of space.